The allure of braised meat and fish dishes lies not only in their delectable flavors but also in their visually appealing colors. However, excessive use of pre-made coloring agents can be detrimental to your health. Thus, using onions to create a natural coloring is a safer alternative that still guarantees a mouthwatering dish.
1. Why Use Onions for Coloring? What are the Benefits?
Onions are an excellent source of natural coloring due to their high sugar content. For every 100g of onions, there is approximately 4.2g of sugar, which equates to about 3 teaspoons of sugar for 300g of onions. When onions are fried in oil, the sugar within them transforms into a golden hue, similar to that of the pre-made coloring. This natural coloring can then be used to braise fish or meat, adding not only color but also a subtle sweetness to your dish.
The benefits of using onion-derived coloring are twofold. Firstly, as the sugar comes from a natural vegetable source, it is a healthier alternative to pre-made coloring. Secondly, according to health studies, the recommended daily sugar intake is 6 teaspoons. By using onions as a coloring agent, you’re only consuming a fraction of that amount, making it a healthier choice.
Additionally, the sugar from onions is accompanied by dietary fiber, which slows down the body’s absorption of sugar. In contrast, pre-made coloring lacks this fiber, leading to quicker sugar absorption by the body.
2. How to Make Natural Coloring from Onions
Ingredients
- 3 onions
Instructions
Step 1: Peel and rinse the onions, then chop them into small pieces.
Step 2: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chopped onions until they turn golden.
Step 3: Tilt the pan and carefully pour the excess oil into a small bowl, leaving the fried onions in the pan.
Final Product
Use these fried onions to braise your meat or fish. The natural coloring and sweetness from the onions will enhance both the appearance and flavor of your dish.
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3. Storage Instructions
If you don’t use all the fried onions at once, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, you can easily take them out and use them the next time you want to braise meat, fish, or chicken.
Creating a natural coloring from onions is a simple and healthy way to enhance your braised dishes. With this technique, you can not only impress your family and friends with delicious meals but also ensure their nutritional well-being.